2nd Generation 16GB Apple iPod Touch

The Apple iPod Touch, branded as ‘The Funnest iPod ever’ has proven itself to be exactly what it says in the slogan. Personally, I have never owned an iPod before this one, but I would not doubt that it brings the most fun of them all. This is probably due to its versatility; although the Nano, Shuffle and Classic can display images, play music and videos, the Touch has a definitive edge on these properties and continues to impress with its extensive features. Therefore, I will be brief in my comments on the universal abilities that all iPods have and focus more on what the others lack.

I believe that looks are just as important as the battery in any gadget; they are essential. And, though I may just be a biased owner, the Touch certainly has the looks that are necessary for any ‘cool device’. Others may disagree but I find that the shiny chrome finish on the back compliments the black on the front perfectly. Although having buttons would defeat the object of the iPod touch, having no buttons makes it even more sleek and intriguing. The fact that there is nothing indicating what abilities the iPod may have while it is turned off makes you want to turn it on as quickly as possible to discover those hidden secrets.

Navigating around the iPod with the square icons and option of multiple pages is very easy and coherent. Simplicity is sometimes regarded as a bore but with something as elaborate as this, less is more. One click will take you anywhere which makes doing what you want to do an instant event.

The sound and display qualities are faultless, though I must admit, whilst sound is being transmitted through the internal speakers (without the earphones) it is not as exceptional as I expected. It is difficult to describe, but it sounds almost as if the speakers were in a metal tin. However, this would not greatly affect an owner, such as me, who has a set of speakers that simply connect to the earphone connection. Having these means you can listen to your music as if it were coming out of CD player.

Some people believe that the screen on any previous iPod and even this one is too small to watch videos on. However, I find that the screen size is appropriate for a handheld, ultra-portable gadget. I find watching YouTube videos very comfortable and a lot more efficient than watching them on any other MP4 player. The tilt sensors that allow you to turn the iPod and change the angle also help the viewing comfort.

By far, my favourite feature of the iPod Touch is the Application store which allows the user to expand the pleasure of using it by as much or as little as they wish. I have filled three pages worth of Apps so far and have not paid a penny. Still, I am extremely happy with my Touch and wonder what fun I will have when I install the paid applications. What makes these applications so amazing is the fact that they are not all games, but helpful guides and mobile websites too. I have had so much fun with these superb features and I still haven’t seen the best of them yet.

My only complaint, which would apply to any other iPod, is the mandatory process of setting up the iPod which includes downloading iTunes and submitting bank details on the computer. Admittedly I am an impatient person so other people may not think so.

I hope many people are encouraged to buy one of these absolutely outstanding iPods and have to agree with Apple when they say it is the ‘funnest’ one ever. If you have the funds there is no reason, in my opinion not to purchase one of these and experience something you never have before.

- Review by Zeus